American Red Cross encouraging public to sign up for blood donation

Press release from the American Red Cross:

With the arrival of Labor Day and the unofficial end to summer, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to roll up a sleeve and give blood or platelets to help ensure sufficient supplies over the holiday weekend.

Those who present to donate between Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 could win one of five $1,000 American Express gift cards, and all donors will walk away with the instant gratification that they may be helping to save more than one life.

“The summer may be coming to an end, but the work of the Red Cross is far from over,” said Delisa English, CEO of the Red Cross Carolinas Blood Services Region. “As you make plans for this Labor Day holiday, please also make time to give blood and help patients who depend on your lifesaving donation.”

While thousands of people answered the call for blood and platelet donations issued by the Red Cross earlier this summer, an urgent need remains for platelets and types O negative, A negative and B negative blood. The summer months can be especially difficult to collect enough blood and platelet donations to keep pace with patient needs.

“Patients in local hospitals often can’t take a break to enjoy the holiday,” English said. “But blood and platelet donors can give these patients a chance to enjoy this time with family and friends – simply by rolling up a sleeve.”

Donate blood or platelets. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org/summer for more information and to make an appointment to help save lives.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Friday, August 30
Asheville Tourists Blood Drive
30 Buchanan Place, Asheville
3:00 pm to 7:30 pm
For more information or to schedule an appointment, go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code tourists or call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).
All presenting donors will receive an American Red Cross cap and are automatically entered into a drawing for a $1,000 gift card!

How to donate blood
Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, 16 with parental consent, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.